A Boy Called Christmas
Parents say
Based on 1 review
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that A Boy Called Christmas, now adapted for a Netflix movie, is a Father Christmas origin story, but maybe not the nice cozy tale you're expecting. Lead character Nikolas, the 11-year-old son of a poor Finnish woodcutter, eventually becomes the figure we now know as Santa Claus, magical giver of toys, spreader of goodwill, and friend to all -- but not before he's lost both parents to violent death, been imprisoned by elves, and only saved from being eaten by a troll by the fact that the troll's head explodes, with much gore. Blitzen the reindeer pees on people for fun, so there's plenty of bathroom humor. Nikolas shows selfless courage when he rescues an elf boy kidnapped by greed-driven humans, and there are frequently repeated messages about goodwill, kindness, and how the joy of giving and belief in magic make everything better -- "Papa, please. Toys are great. But being good is better than being rich." But it's an uneasy, half-baked mix of trauma, silliness, and gross-out humor that may traumatize more than delight some young readers expecting a nice Santa story.
Community Reviews
A very dark Christmas tale.
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What's the Story?
A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS is really named Nikolas, but he was born on Christmas Day to a poor Finnish woodcutter and his wife, who always called him "Christmas." His mother dies protecting him from a bear when he's very young, but he cherishes her memory -- and the turnip she gave him, carved to look like a doll, as a rare Christmas present. His father goes off on an expedition that promises riches, an end to poverty, and adventure among the elves, leaving Nikolas in the "care" of his cruel Aunt Carlotta. Soon the 11-year-old leaves home in search of his father, accompanied by a mouse and a reindeer. Stumbling across the land of the elves, he's soon imprisoned with a troll who plans to eat him and a pixie whose idea of fun is watching heads explode. Literally.
Is It Any Good?
Matt Haig's Santa origin story may not be every kid's Christmas dish, what with its mix of dead parents, exploding troll heads, greedy kidnappers, and reindeer pee among the uplifting messages. But A Boy Called Christmas, aka 11-year-old Nikolas, survives peril and trauma, shows courage and kindness, and finds ways to put magic to work spreading the joy of giving around the world. Black-and-white illustrations by Chris Mould bring the winter scenes and quirky characters to life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Santa Claus, who he is, and how he came to be such a big part of Christmas celebrations. Many different versions appear in different places and cultures -- how do you think A Boy Called Christmas compares with others you may know?
Would you change your name (as a character does in this story) if you found out it meant something gross in another language?
Much of the story deals with rebuilding the trust between humans and elves after the humans committed a terrible betrayal. If someone who once trusted you no longer does -- rightly or wrongly -- what might you do to mend things?
Book Details
- Author: Matt Haig
- Illustrator: Chris Mould
- Genre: Holiday
- Topics: Cats, Dogs, and Mice, Friendship, Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Knopf
- Publication date: November 1, 2016
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 8 - 12
- Number of pages: 240
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: December 2, 2021
Our Editors Recommend
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A Tale of Magic, Book 1
Imaginative, lively tale launches Land of Stories prequels.
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Santa, Are You for Real?
For those ready to learn the truth about Santa.
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I See Santa Everywhere
Funny but rough-looking Santas make this older-kid fare.
For kids who love fantasy and holiday stories
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